Match Previews

Liverpool

Last updated: Thu 27 September 2018 13:43

In Brief

Already achieved their best ever start to a season in history – 7 wins out of 7 – and have no intention of slowing down. This derby is general rehearsal for the league clash between the same sides a few days later. Oxlade-Chamberlain long-term absentee. Divock Origi and Adam Lallana also set to miss. Virgil van Dijk doubtful. Dejan Lovren welcomed back.

Looking Back

Liverpool made history on Saturday after starting a season for the first time in their rich history with seven consecutive wins. The Reds built 3:0 lead in the first half when Southampton paid them a visit and this allowed the players to calm down and preserve energy after the break.

With two goals or more scored in 6 of the 7 matches played and also just 2 goals conceded in 6 Premier League matches Liverpool look near perfect at both ends of the pitch at the minute.

Looking Ahead

Coach Klopp is likely to rest at least two of his Fab Three up front in this midweek encounter, with both Mane and Salah showing signs of fatigue at the weekend and against PSG before that.

Van Dijk hurt his ribs vs. Southampton and he is a fresh concern, but after starting the season injured Lovren could be able to take some part in midweek as he trains without restrictions since last Thursday.

Origi and Lallana failed late fitness tests, with the only long term absentee being Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Points of Interest

Haven’t beaten Chelsea at home since 2012 – 2 defeats and 5 draws. All of the last 4 clashes between the sides at Anfield ended with the same 1:1 scoreline.

Chelsea

Last updated: Thu 27 September 2018 13:43

In Brief

Six-game winning start to the season came to an end after being held to a 0:0 draw by West Ham on Sunday. Pedro, Loftus-Cheek and Antonio Rudiger set to miss.

Looking Back

Chelsea’s perfect start to the season came to an end on Sunday when the Blues failed to create enough chances in the city derby against West Ham and had to settle for a 0:0 draw. Hazard was successfully neutralised in this match and without his contributions Chelsea lacked cutting edge.

Still with 4 clean sheets in the 7 games played Chelsea look solid and near perfect even when Sarri makes changes to the line-up.

Looking Ahead

Coach Sarri will definitely use much weaker squad in this game even compared to the line-up he picked for the first Europa League clash. The 17-year-old winger Hudson-Odoi might make his first appearance since the Community Shield match.

Cahill might also make his first start of the season on Wednesday, with Barkley also likely to be used from the off as the ex-Everton midfielder doesn’t need extra motivation when playing against Liverpool.

Rudiger picked up a knock at the weekend and together with Pedro and Loftus-Cheek he will miss the game.

Points of Interest

Morata lost his starting place after round 4 and he will be desperate to impress.

Chelsea

Six-game winning start to the season came to an end after being held to a 0:0 draw by West Ham on Sunday. Pedro, Loftus-Cheek and Antonio Rudiger set to miss.

Looking Back

Chelsea’s perfect start to the season came to an end on Sunday when the Blues failed to create enough chances in the city derby against West Ham and had to settle for a 0:0 draw. Hazard was successfully neutralised in this match and without his contributions Chelsea lacked cutting edge.

Still with 4 clean sheets in the 7 games played Chelsea look solid and near perfect even when Sarri makes changes to the line-up.

Looking Ahead

Coach Sarri will definitely use much weaker squad in this game even compared to the line-up he picked for the first Europa League clash. The 17-year-old winger Hudson-Odoi might make his first appearance since the Community Shield match.

Cahill might also make his first start of the season on Wednesday, with Barkley also likely to be used from the off as the ex-Everton midfielder doesn’t need extra motivation when playing against Liverpool.

Rudiger picked up a knock at the weekend and together with Pedro and Loftus-Cheek he will miss the game.

Points of Interest

Morata lost his starting place after round 4 and he will be desperate to impress.